What a cool Identified Federal Cartridge Box. It is complete with cartridge tins and is in great flexible condition to the leather. The only thing missing is half of the shoulder belt. This is a very early box , issued in 1861 but doesn't show much wear because he was only a private until mid 1862 . That was when he became an officer. He enlisted April 19, 1861 in company I of the 5th Massachusetts Infantry. And was mustered out on July 31, 1861 . The first union volunteers were only signed up for a 90 day enlistment term . The Union command thought this was more than enough time to settle the war . THEY WERE WRONG! In July of 1861, right before their enlistment term expired, the armies of the North and South met on the fields of Manassas Virginia (Bull Run Creek ) , where the Northern Army was routed and sent reeling back to Washington DC . The 5th Massachusetts was heavily engaged at Bull Run . In August of 1862 , Private Giles was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and later became a Captain on the staff of General Martindale , Commander of the Washington defenses. Don't you just love all the history that an identified relic can tell. Please look at the pictures for more information on Capt Giles. There's even a picture of him in his obituary. Another really neat bonus is that there is the remnants of two 58cal cartridges that are still in the box! Has a wonderful inscription artistically written on the back of the outer flap reading " Jos'. J. Giles Co. I " . With all the history of this soldier, I believe this cartridge box was at Bull Run. Where it first " SAW THE ELEPHANT " .

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